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Hong Kong’s Clockenflap festival cancelled amid increasing tensions

Refunds are to be issued after Hong Kong festival Clockenflap was cancelled as escalating political tensions threaten the safety of fans.

The event, which was launched in 2008 by British promoters Jay Forster, Mike Hill and Justin Sweeting, was scheduled to take place next weekend on November 22-24.

The island’s most high-profile music event, which was expected to attract more than 60,000 festival-goers, was set to feature headliners Mumford & Sons, Halsey and Lil Pump.

Organisers moved to cancel the event on Friday following heightened tensions between pro-Democracy protestors and the Chinese police forces.

“Due to the escalation in the crisis this week, and the uncertainty this creates for the coming weeks, Clockenflap 2019 will be cancelled,” organisers said in a statement. “We still believe in bringing people together in positive ways, and will continue to unite people through the power of music and arts.”

Protests have been ongoing since June, causing several issues for live events and businesses in the region. Last month, international hip-hop festival Rolling Loud’s Hong Kong edition was cancelled due to security issues, as well as concerts by K-pop star Kang Daniel and Scottish band Chvrches.

Image: Chris Lusher